Volkswagen introduced Australia to its first R model in 2004, with the 177 kW Golf R32 (based on the fourth generation Golf), satisfying the need for an exclusively equipped top-end Golf with a very impressive powerplant. The success of this limited edition Golf, both locally and globally, generated the vision of developing an entire series of R models for the future.

In 2006, the second version Golf R32 (fifth generation Golf) made its Australian debut, equipped with a powerful 184 kW engine and standard 4MOTION all-wheel drive.

In October 2007, the Touareg also contributed to the R series range with the powerhouse Touareg R50. Serving up a powerful 258 kW of power and an amazing 850 Nm of torque, this Volkswagen is one of the most powerful SUVs in the world, and it too is now available in Australia.

Now the third instalment to the R series performance range - the most powerful production Passat of all times - the R36. The effortless power is derived from a 3.6 litre V6 direct-injection petrol engine producing 220 kW of power and 350 Nm of torque.

All three vehicles are built to be true ambassadors of Vollkswagen’s performance line-up with a host of premium features standard across the range, giving each model its own unique appearance and ensuring each model deserves to bear Volkswagen’s prestigious ‘R’ badge.

The Passat R36 - Overview

The new Passat R36 was devised by Volkswagen Individual, the specialist team for producing unique Volkswagen models. Following in the popular footsteps of the Golf R32 and the Touareg R50, the Passat R36 is the third model to debut under Volkswagen’s R series label offering power, style and performance.

Available in either sedan or wagon and fitted with a long list of features as standard, the Passat R36 will meet every driving need.

The R36 Engine

A 3.6 litre six cylinder direct injection petrol engine propels the most powerful Passat of all time with 220 kW of power and 350 Nm of torque. As part of the standard equipment, the power transmission is managed by Volkswagen’s innovative six speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) ensuring maximum control over this performance vehicle. The 4MOTION all wheel drive system offers maximum stability and cornering control at all times.

In principle, all-wheel drive technology is particularly advantageous in the wet, on ice and snow and is superior to rear wheel drive in particular. But, also, on dry roads, 4MOTION improves the lateral guiding force and therefore the active safety.

The R36 is available in both sedan and wagon. The top speed of the sedan is electronically regulated at 250 km/h. In terms of speed, the Passat R36 outstrips every other production Volkswagen in accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h: the sedan reaches the 100 km/h mark in 5.6 seconds (5.8 seconds for the wagon).

R36 Exterior Features

Visually, with a whole range of specific features, the new Passat R36 represents the most dynamic model of the globally successful series. Special features of the front section are an R range specific bumper and a radiator grille surround in matte chrome finish. Other R series exclusives are the dual fins of the upper radiator grille designed in an aluminium look and the radiator air inlets in a slatted look.

The rear of the Passat R36 sedan features a newly designed spoiler on the boot lid; in the case of the Passat R36 wagon a new roof edge spoiler provides additional downward force to the rear axle. Identical for both body versions are the chrome dual exhaust pipes and the unique sports bumper.

It doesn’t disappoint from the side either with 18-inch “Omanyt” alloy wheels and colour coded wheel arch extensions that were specifically developed for the Passat R36.

Other exterior features standard on the Passat R36 include darkened rear tail light clusters, body side lower sill extension and bi-xenon headlights with dynamic cornering.

R36 Interior Features

Volkswagen Individual also designed the interior equipment especially for the Passat R36. The instruments and middle console are finished in a dark brushed aluminium décor. The leather steering wheel is especially slip-proof and features an R36 logo in the lower spokes and gear shift paddles as standard. In addition, the Passat R36 is delivered with a sport seating system together with electric 12-way adjustment, electro-pneumatic side bolsters and San Remo micro fibre/Vienna leather combination upholstery, R36 door sill trims, new dashboard with white illumination and an automatic transmission selector lever in aluminium look as standard.

A six disc CD changer with MP3 compatibility and 250W amplifier, delivers crystal clear sound through 10 speakers. Aluminium accelerator and brake pedals with ‘R’ flags are also standard in the R36.

Meanwhile, rain sensing windscreen wipers, automatic dimming rear-view mirror and parking distance sensors, front and rear, respond automatically to environmental changes outside.

Even with so many features available as standard there is still room to offer some optional equipment such as Dynaudio, Volkswagen’s premium 600W audio system with 10 channel amplifier and 10 speakers, automatic tailgate (for wagon), electric glass sunroof (slide and tilt adjustable with sunblind), RNS510 satellite navigation system with high resolution touch screen display, and rear view camera plus with dynamic guidance lines (wagon).

Technology and Safety

The new Passat R36 utilises the highest technology to enhance your driving control, comfort and safety. Volkswagen ensures the vehicle is in full control at all times with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-Pressure Distribution (EBD), Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR), Brake Assist and Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP).

Eight airbags, front, side (front and rear) as well as curtains, also assist with occupant safety.

The multi function trip computer ‘plus’, cruise control and tyre pressure monitoring system offer you maximum driving efficiency with minimum driving effort.

Recommended Retail Pricing

Passat R36 Sedan 6 speed DSG $64,990*
Passat R36 Wagon 6 speed DSG $66,990*

* Prices quoted are Recommended Retail Prices (RRP), which excludes dealer delivery charges (which may vary from dealer to dealer) and stamp duty, compulsory third party insurance and registration charges (which vary from state/territory to state/territory).